It doesn't matter what stick it is. The right stick for you is the one that you like.
It is a feeling, A "Zen" thing.
I have many sticks that I use based on the tune that I am playing, the sound that I want, and my mood that day compared with the acoustics of the venue.

The Buddy stick has a long taper that makes it feel lighter up front, and a blended tip that I find is more resistant to chipping. The Barker stick is very heavy towards the front and a bit thicker. Neither is better, but one will feel better in your hands.

Asking which stick is better is like asking which size of shoe is better. As of very recently, Vic Firth (who makes the Buddy model) was bought by Zildjian (who makes Travis Barker's sticks), so now they're even probably made by the same people.

Never used an artist series stick that felt any better or worse than a 5A or B.

I have, there are a lot of minute differences in the sticks that encompass the interval between a 5A and a 5B stick. Personally I like the feel and Sound of the Steve Gadd wooden tip sticks. I choose a lot of my sticks first by feel and then by the sound they produce on cymbals. When I purchase cymbals, I audition them using two or three different stick designs.

I have, there are a lot of minute differences in the sticks that encompass the interval between a 5A and a 5B stick. Personally I like the feel and Sound of the Steve Gadd wooden tip sticks. I choose a lot of my sticks first by feel and then by the sound they produce on cymbals. When I purchase cymbals, I audition them using two or three different stick designs.

Dennis

All good points.I guess my point was, I haven't noticed a difference but I'm still very much a novice.

If you're new to this I'd suggest investing in a few different stick models in a few different materials. Maybe buy two or three pairs a month as you budget allows. The only way to know which stick is right for you is to play a lot of sticks until you narrow down what feels best in your hand playing the music you like.

Finding the right balance between diameter, length, and weight can take time but once you find that stick (or sticks, I have a couple favorites) that really works for you the hunt (and cost) will seem worth it.